From the President & CEODear friends, Students are beginning their new academic year with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Most haven’t seen their friends or teachers in person for over a year. Some girls are feeling awkward at best; others have lost their social footing and are feeling isolated and alone. Yet, we know that 96% of our Little Sisters maintain or improve their sense of social acceptance. Our School-Based Big Sisters continue to meet with
their Little Sisters virtually and are waiting for the schools to reopen their doors to volunteers. We know that girls’ mental health is critical to their ability to listen and learn. We are working with our school partners in support of their efforts to create a safe, nurturing, learning environment for our Little Sisters. As we continue to make new relationships between Big and Little Sisters, we are also supporting existing relationships. Last week a School-Based match, between Little Sister Mia who attends the Eliot School in Boston, and Big Sister Nicole Fecteau, who works at Puma, joined me in an interview with Lisa Hughes of WBZ-TV/CBS Boston. What I learned off-camera is that Mia and Nicole didn’t skip their weekly visits during the pandemic school year, and, in fact increased their contact and ultimately strengthened their relationship during a difficult time. The power of emotional connection, like that shared by matches such as Mia and Nicole, is critical to a girl’s self-confidence and mental health. Over the past 70 years, Big Sister has made and supported tens of thousands of these connections. At the heart of them are the Big Sister, Little Sister, Little Sister’s family, and of course our program staff who ensure that these
relationships thrive. And yet, these connections are also made possible by our partners, many of whom we are honoring throughout the year in recognition of our 70th anniversary. These individuals, couples, and groups have sustained our work over the decades through the generous gift of time, treasure, or talent—in many cases, all three! You’ll meet some of those honorees below and find out why they are 100% invested in girls. We can all show we care about a girl’s emotional health. You can start by asking a girl what she did today that made her feel good. If she says "nothing" you can follow up by asking her what she could do that would make her feel good. Showing a girl that you care, that you are invested in her, can make all the
difference. In gratitude,
"Big Sister Boston is a dynamic, proactive organization, always evolving to ensure it continues meeting the needs of girls. The organization truly exemplifies how to collaborate with other institutions to maximize strategic partnerships and access additional resources."Joyce & Bill Cummings
The Cummings Foundation
"We are honored to support many Little Sisters with our Foundation To Be Named Later Peter Gammons College Scholarships for young people who have overcome tremendous obstacles to get to college and have a proven commitment to giving back.
Big Sister Boston submissions always shine and rise to the top of the Scholarship candidate pool."Allyce Najimy
CEO, Foundation To Be Named Later, the charitable foundation of Theo & Paul Epstein & Adjunct Professor & Founder, UMass Boston’s new bachelor degree program, Sports Leadership & Administration
"To know that there is such a powerful organization focused on giving young girls the support they need to develop into thriving determined successful adults is so important to Boston's future."Joanne Chang
Flour Bakery/Myers+Chang co-owner
This sister duo supports each other through thick and thin. They show up for each other, celebrate one another, and bring out the best in each other. Though they are biological sisters, Chris and Carol represent the kind of relationship we hope for all our Big and Little Sisters.Christine:
"I have been involved with the organization since 1980 in many capacities and have heard the stories and seen the difference the program makes in girls’ lives. Having a caring, listening adult in their lives helps girls to believe in themselves and to set healthy goals for themselves. The Big Sister often opens doors to new possibilities for the Little Sister." Carol:
"I have supported the mission because I know the difference having strong relationships with other women can make. As we know, the matches that are made with Bigs and Littles allow strong bonds to form and these relationships are life changing."
"We were initially drawn to Big Sister by their wonderful and talented staff, led by the incomparable Deb Re. Their passion for the young girls of greater Boston is contagious & you can't help but want to be engaged. Once we became more personally involved, it was clear to us that their mission to be 100% invested in girls, providing them with pathways to success, is something we could feel proud to support."Mark & Amy Lund
"Little things make a big difference... the business of relationship building is a series of consistent acts. Big Sister activates the tool for the development of rich and meaningful life changing relationships."Heidi Johnson
Founder, Purple Suitcase
"Over the years, one by one Big Sister services merged with Big Brother agencies, almost always for financial reasons. The unique needs of girls often got lost in the mergers. I am proud that Boston remains as a one-to-one service for girls and continues to provide leadership on the unique needs of girls."Jerry Martinson (left, pictured with her Little Sister Doreen)
Former Executive Director of 25 years,
Big Sister Boston
"These young sisters are tomorrow’s women leaders. Helping them reach their full potential is what the work is all about. And it really matters."Atsuko & Larry Fish
Retired Chairman and CEO Citizens Bank, philanthropist and women’s empowerment leader
"Girls growing up today should know that finding a mentor is an important step toward realizing their dreams; that caring, supportive relationships open many doors and that their voices should always be heard."Sharon McNally
President, Camp Harbor View, Chief of Staff, Connors Family Office & former Chair, Big Sister Boston Board of Directors
"My hope for the girls in Boston is that they are happy and able to reach their full potential. The work is what keeps me here. I love getting to know the girls, their families and the Big Sisters."Helen Fullerton
Senior Match Support Specialist of 22 years, Big Sister Boston
MARK YOUR CALENDARDon't miss out on these upcoming events in support of Big Sister's mentoring and enrichment programs for girls!
Donate to Team Big Sister in the Rodman Ride for Kids Rodman Ride for Kids took place on September 25, but you can still show some love to the team and support positive mentoring relationships for Greater Boston's girls by making a gift today! Make your gift here!
Big in Boston 2021 Thursday, October 7
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Online Broadcast Who's that girl? Find out when we celebrate our 70th anniversary with an online broadcast of Big in Boston on October 7. Click here to sign up for access to the broadcast. Presenting Partner
Give & GetSupport Big Sister at Stop & Shop in OctoberFor the month of October 2021, Big Sister Association Of Greater Boston, Inc. will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop store located at 713 East Broadway, South Boston MA. Shop Global, Give LocalAmazonSmile customers can support Big Sister Association of Greater Boston in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! Simply follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations.- Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
- Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into 'Settings'
- Tap 'AmazonSmile' and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process
If you do not have the latest version of the Amazon Shopping app, update your app. Click here for instructions.
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